PBA: Will Wright be Mr. Right?

Blakely gone; Star brings in Texas State alum

Star’s new import Joel Wright feels no pressure stepping in as replacement to PBA Best Import awardee Marqus Blakely as the Hotshots try to improve their campaign in the concluding Governors’ Cup.

Wright, a former Texas State stalwart, said that he is excited to suit up for Star which sports a 1-3 record.

“No pressure on my part,” said the 6-foot-5 Wright Sunday night as he watched the PBA All-Star Game where the North Team defeated the South squad, 154-151, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“This is what I do, and I’ve done this all my life. Me coming from the D-League, there’s no pressure. I’m just ready to come out and play, ready to come out on the court with my teammates.”

“I can’t wait to be out there on the court. I arrived two days ago, had one day of practice under my belt. A little jet lag but I have a couple more before my first game. Then I’m ready to go,” he added.

The 26-year-old Wright replaced Blakely, who helped the team win two titles, including the 2014 Governors’ Cup that completed the team’s amazing run to a Grand Slam.

Wright recently played for the Bakersfield Jam where he averaged 15 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1 steals in the 37 games he played during NBA D-League season.

A native of Brooklyn, Wright went undrafted in the rookie draft but was selected by the Idaho Stampede in the D-League in 2014. He is set to debut versus NLEX on Friday at the Big Dome.

Wright said he’s looking forward to the same type of energy from the fans after witnessing the All-Star Game.

“It’s a great experience,” said Wright. “I came from D-League, but I’ve never seen like this though. I’m happy to be part of this, I’m just happy to come here.”